He Does Not Treat Us As Our Sins Deserve

Yesterday was one of those hard days. You probably know what I mean. Just one of those days where, due to the pressures around you, relationship issues, and your general outlook, you wish you could just go hibernate somewhere until all the yuck goes away. But this is not what God would desire for us...to run and hide. Facing difficulty is part of the Christian walk. Taking up our cross daily is a must if we are to develop the character of Christ. I was reading in Valley of Vision again and these words really struck me:

"My trials have been fewer than my sins, and when I have kissed the rod it has fallen from thy hands. Thou hast often wiped away my tears, restored peace to my mourning heart, chastened me for my profit. All thy work for me is perfect, and I praise thee." (from "Choices" p. 105, The Valley of Vision)

Here are some more good words from C.H. Spurgeon in his "Morning and Evening":

"If we have been partakers with Jesus in His shame, we shall be bearers with Him in the lustre which shall surround Him when He appears again in glory....Does a vital union knit thee to Him? Then thou art today with Him in His shame; thou hast taken up His cross, and gone with Him without the camp bearing His reproach; thou shalt doubtless be with Him when the cross is exchanged for a crown." (March 26..evening)

I will go about today with these viewpoints in mind. Cross-bearing is no easy business. It causes me to cast myself on God's mercy. This is exactly what God has in mind! Surely my trials really are not even comparable to all that I've been forgiven of. He does not treat us as our sins deserve. This is a great comfort.